A British court has sentenced former UK soldier Daniel Khalife to 14 years in prison for spying for Iran. Khalife, who was arrested in 2023, was found guilty of gathering military intelligence and attempting to pass sensitive information to Iranian officials. Prosecutors said his actions posed a serious threat to national security.
Khalife previously served in the British Army but was discharged after being accused of misconduct. Authorities later discovered he had been in contact with Iranian operatives. Investigators said he used encrypted messages to share classified data about UK military operations.
“The evidence showed a clear intent to aid a foreign government,” a prosecutor said during the trial. Khalife denied the charges, claiming he had no intention of harming the UK. However, the court found his actions deliberate and sentenced him under espionage laws.
The case gained public attention after Khalife briefly escaped from a London prison in 2023. He was recaptured after a nationwide manhunt lasting several days. Security failures during his escape led to a review of UK prison protocols.
Khalife’s espionage activities reportedly included attempts to access information on UK defense strategies. Authorities said he was motivated by financial gain rather than ideological reasons. His sentencing sends a strong message about the consequences of betraying national security.
The UK has faced growing concerns about foreign espionage. Intelligence agencies have warned of increased efforts by hostile nations to gather classified information. Officials say stricter security measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents.
British lawmakers have called for stronger penalties for espionage-related crimes. Some have urged the government to expand surveillance on individuals with access to sensitive information. The Khalife case has intensified debates about national security risks.
Iran has denied involvement in the case, calling the accusations politically motivated. The UK government, however, maintains that Khalife acted under Iranian influence. Officials say they will continue monitoring threats posed by foreign intelligence operations.
The conviction marks one of the most high-profile espionage cases in recent years. Security experts warn that modern intelligence threats are evolving, requiring better detection methods. The UK is working closely with allies to counter these risks.
Authorities say Khalife will serve his sentence in a high-security prison. His conviction reinforces the UK’s stance against foreign interference. Officials say they remain committed to safeguarding national security against espionage threats.
